Dynamic discount card tied to price curves &amp; group discounts

ABSTRACT

Systems and/or methods are disclosed for interacting with a multiple criteria buying and/or selling system to conduct business electronically. A dynamic discount card is disclosed according to an aspect of the present invention. The dynamic discount card comprises an information access component for receiving information and a presentation component for displaying information to a user via the dynamic discount card.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority under 35U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/867,625 filedJun. 15, 2004 entitled “DYNAMIC DISCOUNT CARD TIED TO PRICE CURVES &GROUP DISCOUNTS” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patentapplication Ser. No. 60/478,768 entitled “DYNAMIC DISCOUNT CARD TIED TOPRICE CURVES AND GROUP DISCOUNTS” and filed Jun. 16, 2003, theentireties of these applications are incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an e-commerce multiple criteria buyingand selling methodology and more particularly to a method and apparatusof using the e-commerce multiple criteria buying and selling methodologyto conduct business electronically.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The buying and selling of products and services has resulted in a vastarray of buying schemes that are used to vary the price at which suchproducts are sold.

One of the most common buying schemes which business encounters everydayis known as volume buying. According to this buying scheme, sellers seta fixed unit price for their products based on the volume of units thata buyer is willing to purchase. Buyers desiring to purchase productsfrom the seller are each required to pay the same fixed price dependingon the volume of units the buyer is purchasing. If a seller finds thatthe demand for a given product is greater or less than expected, theseller may later adjust the fixed price per unit of the product toaccount for such findings. Although the fixed price per unit systemprovides a simple way for a seller to conduct business with multiplebuyers, one drawback of this buying scheme is that it fails to providebuyers with a choice between a variety of different buying criteria thatmay be just as important or more important to the buyer than price.

For example, a buyer that is in need of goods, such as raw materials tomake products for an expedited order may be willing to pay a higherprice for a faster delivery time. Another buyer may be concerned withthe quality of the goods they are purchasing, such that the buyer wouldpay a higher price for goods having a minimum number of defects. Yetanother buyer may be concerned with the warranty time allotted for thegoods they are purchasing, and may want the warranty of the goods thatthey are purchasing to match or exceed the warranty the buyers areoffering their own customers.

Yet another buying scheme that has been advanced in recent years isbuyer-driven bidding. According to this buying scheme, a single buyerdesiring to obtain a product communicates a price at which the buyer iswilling to purchase the product to multiple sellers. Each of the sellersis provided an opportunity to review the buyer's price. A sale iscomplete when one of the sellers agrees to sell the product to the buyerat the price suggested by the buyer. A buyer-driven bidding scheme isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,794,207 assigned to Walker Asset ManagementLimited Partnership of Stamford, Conn. Another buyer-driven biddingscheme is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,620 assigned to priceline.comInc of Stamford, Conn. While the buyer-driven bidding scheme providesadvantages for certain types of transactions when, for example, sellersmay be willing to sell products at lower than normal prices, theuncertainties involved with whether a buyer's offer will be accepted isoften problematic for high volume commercial transactions in which thereliability that a transaction will be complete is of paramountimportance. Another problem with the present buying schemes is that thebuyers have no control in determining the criteria of the product orservices that they may receive, while the seller has no control of thetype of purchase that the buyers request.

While the buying schemes described above have various advantages anddisadvantages in different situations, a commonality among all of thebuying schemes is that each buyer is not given the opportunity to chooseamongst different buying criteria, which could be more important to thebuyer than the price of the goods and/or services. Furthermore, eachseller is not given a chance to offer their goods and/or services basedon different selling criteria. In many instances, sellers are not evenaware of what buyers consider important buying criteria. Additionally,sellers are sometimes not aware of what other selling criteria thatother sellers might offer buyers.

Moreover, for manufactured items and many services, the seller'scapacity is finite. Accordingly, only so many widgets can be produced ona single production line within a single facility during a given amountof time, and only so many services can be delivered by a set number ofresources. Thus, these capacities can vary in moments as capacity isutilized or lost.

Accordingly, there is a strong need in the art for a multiple criteriabuying and selling scheme, which provides both buyers and sellers morecontrol in a commercial purchasing transaction, and overcomes the abovementioned drawbacks and others.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order toprovide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. Thissummary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is notintended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or todelineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to presentsome concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to themore detailed description that is presented later.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a dynamic discount cardis provided. The dynamic discount card can interact with a multiplecriteria buying and/or selling system or methodology to conduct businesselectronically. The dynamic discount card comprises an informationaccess component and a presentation component. The information accesscomponent obtains pricing and product information. The information isdisplayed utilizing the presentation component.

According to aspect of the present invention, a user input component isprovided. The user input component facilitates a user's ability tosearch for information to be displayed via the presentation component.Additionally and/or alternatively, the user input component facilitatesa user's ability to place an order and/or make a counteroffer.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a multiplecriteria buying and selling methodology is provided. The multiplecriteria buying and selling methodology is structured to provide buyersand sellers with a variety of information relating to criteria in thepurchasing of products to complete a business transaction. By providingthe buyers and sellers with a variety of information, the buyers areable to make an informed decision in the buying process relating to eachbuyer's particular needs, and the sellers are able to control the typeof purchases for their goods and services. To facilitate buying andselling products using the multiple criteria buying and sellingmethodology, an electronic forum is provided whereby buyers and sellersare able to conveniently exchange information and order products.

In the multiple criteria buying and selling methodology, a sellerinitially establishes a deal structure for a product, which providesselling criteria information relating to the purchasing of the product,such as volume per unit price, quality, delivery time and warrantyinformation that a buyer will be able to review if the selling criteriamatches a buyer inputted buying criteria. The deal structure ispreferably set up so as to provide buyers with both price and non-pricecriteria information that the buyers would consider important in apurchase of the type of product being offered by the seller. The dealstructure is electronically made available to potential buyers of theproduct. For example, the deal structure may be displayed on an Internetsite.

Accordingly, the multiple criteria buying and selling methodologyprovides more control for both buyers and sellers in the purchasingprocess. Buyers define the buying criteria which they feel is importantin purchasing a particular good or service. Sellers define the sellingcriteria which the seller feels is important to both the buyer and theseller. The buyer is provided with a list of deals in which the buyers'buying criteria falls within the sellers' selling criteria. Furthermore,the multiple criteria buying methodology encourages the completion ofdeals. The multiple criteria buying and selling methodology allows abuyer to complete a deal in an expedited manner. The buyer can controltheir criteria and the seller can control their criteria allowing a moreefficient manner of conducting business.

Thus, according to one aspect of the present invention, a businesstransaction methodology is provided. The methodology includes offering aplurality of deals for at least one of a product and service offered byat least one seller inputting a plurality of buying criteria by a buyerfor the at least one of a product and service, and outputting a list ofdeals from amongst the plurality of deals that match the buying criteriaof the buyer.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention an Internetbusiness transaction system is provided. The Internet businesstransaction system, includes a computer adapted to be employed by afacilitator for hosting a commercial transaction over the Internet, thecomputer providing access to at least one buyer and at least one sellerto carry out the commercial transaction, wherein at least one buyermakes a purchase from the at least one seller when a plurality of buyingcriteria defined by the buyer matches a plurality of selling criteriadefined by the seller.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a methodof conducting a business transaction is provided. The method includeselectronically offering a plurality of deals on at least one of aproduct and service for sale, each of said plurality of deals beingbased on different offering criteria than each other of said pluralityof deals, electronically searching the deals on the product for salebased on a plurality of ordering criteria, outputting a list of deals ofthe plurality of deals which offering criteria matches the orderingcriteria and selecting one of the deals of the list of deals whichoffering criteria matches the ordering criteria.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, anelectronic signal is provided that is adapted to be transmitted betweenat least two computers. The electronic signal includes an algorithm formatching a buyer with at least one deal offered by at least one seller,the algorithm matches the buyer with the at least one deal based on aplurality of buying criteria defined by the buyer which matches aplurality of selling criteria defined by the at least one seller.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention anInternet business transaction system is provided. The internet businesstransaction system includes means for hosting a commercial transactionover the Internet, the means for hosting provides access to at least onebuyer and at least one seller to carry out the commercial transaction,wherein the at least one buyer makes a purchase from the at least oneseller when a plurality of ordering criteria, fall within the outerlimits of a plurality of offering criteria, each ordering criteria beingbased on a buyer defined buying criteria, and each offering criteriabeing defined by the seller.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention anInternet business transaction system is provided. The Internet businesstransaction system includes a first computer adapted to be employed by afacilitator for hosting a commercial transaction over the Internet, asecond computer adapted to be used by a buyer to link to the firstcomputer to participate in the commercial transaction, a third computeradapted to be used by a seller to link to the first computer toparticipate in the commercial transaction, wherein the buyer makes apurchase from the seller when a plurality of buyer defined buyingcriteria matches a plurality of seller defined selling criteria.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention a serveris provided. The server includes a processor, a memory coupled to theprocessor, and a network interface coupled to the processor fortransmitting and receiving data with at least one remote computersystem, wherein a plurality of deals for a product offered for saleelectronically is stored in the memory, each of the plurality of dealshaving different seller defined selling criteria, and wherein the serveris configured to receive orders for the product from a plurality ofdifferent buyers via the at least one remote computer system, byproviding the plurality of different buyers with at least one deal ofthe plurality of deals matching a plurality of buyer defined buyingcriteria.

In accordance with still yet another aspect of the present invention, asystem for conducting business electronically is provided. The systemincludes a central server, at least one computer system coupled to theserver via a network, wherein a plurality of deals for a product offeredfor sale electronically is stored in the central server, each of theplurality of deals having different seller defined selling criteria, andwherein the server is configured to receive orders for the product froma plurality of different buyers via the at least one remote computersystem, by providing the plurality of buyers with at least one deal ofthe plurality of deals matching a plurality of buyers defined buyingcriteria.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a businesstransaction methodology, including the steps of: offering a plurality ofdeals for at least one of a product and service offered by at least onebuyer; inputting a plurality of selling criteria by a seller for the atleast one of a product and service; and outputting a list of deals fromamongst the plurality of deals that match the selling criteria of theseller

Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a system for providing anelectronic-based forum for conducting business transactions. The systemincludes means for creating a virtual deal room accessible by at leastone seller and a plurality of buyers, the virtual deal room beingdedicated to carrying out a business transaction for a specific productor service; means for aggregating purchase orders from at least two ofthe buyers of the plurality of buyers; means for presenting theaggregated purchase orders to the at least one seller; and means forclosing a transaction between the at least one seller and the at leasttwo buyers regarding the aggregated purchase orders.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to an electronic-basedforum for conducting business transactions, comprising: a first systemfor creating a virtual deal room accessible by at least two sellers andat least two buyers, the virtual deal room being dedicated to carryingout a business transaction for a specific product or service; a secondsystem for aggregating at least one of purchase orders or offers forsale of the specific product or service from at least one group of thesellers and buyers; a third system for presenting the at least one ofthe aggregated purchase orders or aggregated offers for sale to at leastone seller or buyer, respectively; and a fourth system for closing atransaction for the specific product or service.

Still another aspect of the present invention relates to anelectronic-based forum for conducting business transactions, comprising:a first system for creating a virtual deal room accessible by one buyerand a plurality of sellers of a specific product or service; a secondsystem for aggregating offers for sale of the specific product orservice from at least two of the sellers; a third system for presentingthe aggregated offers for sale to the buyer; and a fourth system forclosing a transaction for the specific product or service.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the inventionthen, comprises the features hereinafter fully described andparticularly pointed out in the claims. The following description andthe annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspects ofthe invention. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few ofthe various ways in which the principles of the invention may beemployed and the present invention is intended to include all suchaspects and their equivalents. Other objects, advantages and novelfeatures of the invention will become apparent from the followingdetailed description of the invention when considered in conjunctionwith the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a dynamic discount system in accordance with anaspect of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a dynamic discount card system in accordance with anaspect of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a dynamic discount card system in accordance with anaspect of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a dynamic discount card system in accordance with anaspect of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a dynamic discount card system in accordance with anaspect of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a methodology for transacting businesselectronically is illustrated in accordance with an aspect of thepresent invention

FIG. 7 illustrates a diagrammatic view of a system for electronicallyconducting business in accordance with one aspect of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 a illustrates a block diagram of a central server in accordancewith one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 8 b is a schematic illustration of a client computer operativelycoupled to a server computer system in accordance with one aspect of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a web page providing options to buyers and sellersdesiring to conduct business electronically in accordance with oneaspect of the present invention.

FIG. 10 a illustrates a buyer's buying criteria input screen inaccordance with one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 10 b illustrates a buyer's product ordering criteria input screenin accordance with one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 10 c illustrates a list of sellers' deals matching the buyer'sproduct ordering criteria in accordance with one aspect of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a flow chart for a buyer desiring to conductbusiness electronically in accordance with one aspect of the presentinvention.

FIG. 12 illustrates an on-line registration form for a buyer inaccordance with one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a buyer database stored in a central server inaccordance with one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 14 a illustrates a web page for a buyer to create or modify a dealin accordance with one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 14 b illustrates a seller's buying and selling criteria inputscreen in accordance with one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 14 c illustrates a seller's product ordering criteria input screenin accordance with one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 14 d illustrates an input screen for adding buying and sellingcriteria to the deal in accordance with one aspect of the presentinvention.

FIG. 15 illustrates a flow chart for a seller desiring to conductbusiness electronically in accordance with one aspect of the presentinvention.

FIG. 16 illustrates an on-line registration form for a seller inaccordance with one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a seller database stored in the central server inaccordance with one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration of an ordering process in connectionwith the above-identified invention.

FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration of an electronic forum forconducting a seller sponsored business transaction.

FIG. 20 is a schematic illustration of an electronic forum forconducting a buyer sponsored business transaction.

FIG. 21 is a schematic illustration of an electronic forum forconducting a buyer and seller co-sponsored business transaction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is now described with reference to the annexeddrawings, wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout. Itshould be understood, however, that the drawings and detaileddescription thereto are not intended to limit the invention to theparticular form disclosed. Rather, the intention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spiritand scope of the present invention.

As used in this application, the term “component” is intended to referto a computer-related entity, either hardware, a combination of hardwareand software, software, or software in execution. For example, acomponent may be, but is not limited to being, a process running on aprocessor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution,a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both anapplication running on a server and the server can be a component. Oneor more components may reside within a process and/or thread ofexecution and a component may be localized on one computer and/ordistributed between two or more computers.

Furthermore, the present invention may be implemented as a method,apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or anycombination thereof. The term “article of manufacture” (oralternatively, “computer program product”) as used herein is intended toencompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readabledevice, carrier, or media. For example, computer readable media caninclude but are not limited to magnetic storage devices (e.g., harddisk, floppy disk, magnetic strips . . . ), optical disks (e.g., compactdisk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD) . . . ), smart cards, and flashmemory devices (e.g., card, stick). Of course, those skilled in the artwill recognize many modifications may be made to this configurationwithout departing from the scope or spirit of the subject invention.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a dynamic discount system 100 comprisingan information access component 110 and a presentation component 120 isillustrated according to an aspect of the present invention. The dynamicdiscount system 100 can be utilized to access offers such as, forexample, derived from shopping bots, catalogs, etc.

The information access component 110 communicates with a network and/ora bus and receives information related to price curves, quantities, etc.established by a wide variety of users (e.g., suppliers). Thus, theinformation access component 110 can comprise a transmitter, receiver orboth. For instance, the information access component 110 can be areceiver that obtains information wirelessly from a tower or asatellite.

Additionally, the information accessed via the information accesscomponent 110 is further provided to the presentation component 120. Thepresentation component 120 can comprise a display (not shown) to presentinformation to a user and/or software to render the information into adisplayable format. The display can provide audio information, visualinformation, touch, etc. to the user. Thus, information can be displayedto a user via the dynamic discount system 100. For example, theinformation access component 110 can receive updated price curves from anetwork, which can be provided to the presentation component 120.Furthermore, the presentation component 120 can display the updatedprice curves to the user.

By way of example, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and amultitude of software vendors have attempted to bring into balancemanufacturing supply with demand over time. Products, along withquantities ordered over time and order frequency, are tracked andevaluated. These programs can include scheduling software, ERP systems,forecasting methods, and, most recently, predictive analysis and demandalgorithms, which help predict and manage estimated production. In manyinstances, these solutions have sought to estimate and respond tovarious demand scenarios and optimize return on assets or utilizationrates while meeting customer demand regarding item, options and deliveryschedules. In many instances, the production schedule can be managed tomeet predicted or real demand. As a result, resources can then beeffectively planned and managed.

Pricing software can be employed to optimize profit by understandingindividual demand and costs to service a customer. A price is determinedbased on such characteristics. Pricing software can manage pricesrelative to individual customers. Price sensitivity tools, in additionto other metrics, can be provided to determine optimal price strategiesand trade-offs.

The Internet has been a delivery tool to provide these solutions. Newtechnologies such as wi-fi and pda's (personal digital assistants) canfurther extend the solutions throughout ever-larger geographic areas forthis updated information on demand.

Demand aggregation, as described infra, has established a fundamental,yet revolutionary, difference in existing ERP and pricing softwarethinking. Demand aggregation effectively enables a supplier to offerproducts, volumes, options, ship dates and price curves tied to thevolume ordered by an entire group of unrelated buyers in pre-productionor simply before the item has ever been produced. The exact number ofitems to be produced, the types and final price depend upon the quantityordered. Furthermore, the supplier can provide multiple price curves andmultiple ship dates at different thresholds for the same item todifferent buyers, essentially grouping buyers individually or instrategic sub-sets with a different set of products, options, andprices. Yet, inherent within the model set forth herein, every user(e.g., buyer) selecting the same ship date is helping other users (e.g.,buyers and supplier) reduce cost to produce items in question. Demand isgrouped among unrelated buyers across states, countries and continentsto lower prices. Mass customization occurs while the Internet isutilized to group users in optimal economic ordering quantities.

Numerous options and features can be utilized upon this softwareplatform including smart pricing modules, segmenting individuals intodifferent groups based on their ordering history, smart shopping botsfor buyers, etc.

Translation software is available to take existing product catalogs andother pertinent information and translate that into group dynamic pricecurves. This translation software is also available as an XML-based orother data exchange format that could allow the demand aggregation offerto be created by a series of queries (e.g., a series of “What if”questions that determine changes in volumes, products, options,price-curves, ship dates, . . . ) that could be used to automaticallypopulate an offer form and be made available to potential and existingusers with some screening filters offered to the supplier (e.g., D&Bcredit run on buyer first).

For instance, a company using any variety of pricing, ERP, catalog, etc.software can list 5,000 widgets for delivery in 5 days with a price perunit of $1.00. The demand aggregation translation software can translatethe existing “what if 10,000 are ordered, what if 20,000 are ordered,what if 40,000 are ordered, etc.” to create in real-time aprice-discount curve tied to volume that can immediately be displayedfor the buyers and compared to other available options.

The dynamic discount system 100 is an add-on feature that can beemployed by a buyer to connect to offers presented by supplier(s) inreal-time and other “spot” offerings derived from shopping bots,catalogs, etc.

Turning to FIG. 2, depicted is a dynamic discount card system 200according to an aspect of the present invention. The system 200comprises a dynamic discount card (DDC) 210 that is coupled to aconfiguration component 220. Additionally, the dynamic discount card 210comprises the information access component 110 and the presentationcomponent 120 from FIG. 1.

The configuration component 220 facilitates configuration of the dynamicdiscount card 210. For example, the configuration component 220 caninitialize the information access component 110 such that theinformation received by the information access component 110 correspondsto a user's profile; therefore, the user can receive informationassociated with a group of goods and/or services offered by asupplier(s). Additionally and/or alternatively, the configurationcomponent 220 can be employed to preset a discount amount for aparticular dynamic discount card 210. The configuration component 220can configure the dynamic discount card 210 locally and/or remotely.

For purposes of understanding and not limitation, the followingexemplary scenario is provided. The dynamic discount card 210 is mailedto a prospective buyer by a supplier, media outlet, etc. Selectedsuppliers send out electronic messages to the dynamic discount card 210via the configuration component 220 (e.g., utilizing electronic, wi-fi,and other available methods) to provide updated product and pricediscount offers tied to volumes and ship dates/delivery dates that arestored on the card. Alternatively, the card 210 can be pre-loaded via alocal configuration component 220 with default products and services atdiscount prices with only a buyer to enter the access code to initiatecommunication. In any event, the card 210 can show and/or recite theprices with a small voice activated chip (defaults can be set), theavailability, and ship dates for the item in question, and otherinformation via the presentation component 120.

Still yet another variation is for the discount card 210 to be loadedvia the configuration component 220 with a profile of a cardholder(e.g., demographics, age, income, . . . ) that can interact with cableand other forms of communication (e.g., television). This informationcan be conveyed to a central database with pre-determined (e.g., basedon age and income) protocols that show one or more advertisements tothat individual or set of individuals holding respective cards 210.Likewise, specific prices (e.g., time based offer, discount, price curve. . . ) can be served up to the individual or set of individuals via theshared medium.

A targeted message can be cued and sent to the cardholder who is withinrange of that particular device. The customer, using the card 210, wouldthen be able to respond to the offer as well as view the “localized”price and offer utilizing the presentation component 120. A defaultpayment method can be stored in the card 210 with password protection orunique id coding and/or encryption technologies that enables the holderto execute the order at that time.

Referring next to FIG. 3, a system 300 for interacting with a buyer isillustrated according to an aspect of the present invention. The system300 comprises a dynamic discount card 310 that can interact with anetwork/bus and a user. For example, the dynamic discount card 310 canreceive information related to a good and/or service offered by asupplier from a wireless network. The information can be obtained by thedynamic discount card 310 via an information access component 110 andpresented to a user utilizing a presentation component 120. Thepresentation component 120 can be, for example, software to convert theobtained information into a proper format and/or a hardware device suchas a touch screen display, a display screen, a speaker, etc.

Furthermore, a user may interact with discount card 310 utilizing a userinput component 320. For instance, the user input component 320 can bebuttons on a surface of the card 310 to allow a user to view andmanipulate information (thus, the user input component 320 can vary theinformation displayed via the presentation component 120). Additionallyand/or alternatively, the user input component 320 can be a touch screeninput and/or contain voice recognition software. Still further yet, theuser input component 320 can be a magnetic strip on a surface of thecard 310 to allow it to be read or programmed using a scanning device(not shown).

UNC codes, or other methods to confirm product specificity, can be usedto send/retrieve specific information. Voice recognition, impulserecognition, icons, radio frequency ID, and other messaging devices canbe utilized to represent the buyers' demand/order intention visibly andto optimize the capacity and time scenario faced by suppliers bycommunicating with offers as well as senders/receivers. The card 310 caninteract with an ERP and pricing model software as it translatesavailable inventory and potential inventory for an item with benefits ofdemand aggregation. The communication can occur between a network ofitems including but not limited to demand card(s), handheld device(s),product(s), skid(s), container(s), ERP system(s), and vehicle(s). Ordervolumes can be changed employing the user input component 320 and theirimpact seen upon the presentation component 120 as well. Supplier andbuyer(s) are offered the ability to change their quantities to see howit impacts the system as a whole. A buyer can see the same productrepresented in four different locations and have a freight estimatorincluded to show total cost. In this scenario, the price of an item canbe more expensive in location B, but the proximity of the product inlocation A may be cause it to be shown first when sorted by price.

Viewing options on the card 310 displayed with the presentationcomponent 120 can include: product code, picture, current price, futureprice, availability, shipping added and final price, list of suppliers,price history, ratings by supplier, sorting by various options, filterson certain suppliers, etc.

Furthermore, the current price can be shown with immediate delivery or aprice curve (or some other graphical representation) shown along withthe potential savings and the timeframe required. For example, theprobability of the price dropping a certain percentage (e.g., 10%, 20%,. . . ) such that the buyer can make an informed choice of eitherordering the item for immediate delivery or placing an order and waitingfor a discount to occur over time.

Another option can be for the buyer to provide a counteroffer utilizingthe user input component 320, for instance, stating he will pay a 15%premium and/or a set price if the availability is within a specifiedperiod or even immediately available. The suppliers of bots and pricecurves will have the ability to respond accordingly; however, thestrength of the service is aggregating demand and the more time giventhe more advantage it is to not only the supplier but to the buyers as agroup.

The user can control the information and/or format of the informationpresented by the presentation component 120 by utilizing the user inputcomponent 320. The user input component 320 enables the dynamic discountcard 310 to filter, sort, track, and retrieve offers. Additionally, thecard 310 can be updated utilizing the latest bots and new price curvessubmitted. The total demand data is also available to suppliers andbuyers to review and see historical information and trends over time. Abuyer can then order directly from the card utilizing the user inputcomponent 320 (e.g., by pressing order and confirm buttons, voicerecognition, . . . ). Additionally, the card 310 can provide a buyermore specific information regarding payment, delivery date, and whetherto send elsewhere as an FYI. The card 310 can also be integrated with avariety of items including but not limited to laptops, personal digitalassistants, cell phones, car panels, transporters, segways, televisions,billboards with the code specified, id numbers, scanners, or wherever areceiving chip can receive updated signals from suppliers.

According to another example, a supplier can send out directed mailpieces with unique discount codes printed on the dynamic discount card310 for a new buyer to try a particular product or service. In such acase, the card 310 can be activated only for a short-period but reflectchanging discounts that are updated to the card 310 as an enticement toorder from this supplier. In addition, messages can be sent to thedynamic discount card 310 from the network when product availabilitychanges and prices need to be adjusted in real-time (e.g., availablequantity is sold out, next price shown). Moreover, the card 310 could beprogrammed to reflect these changes as they are made by the supplier'sselling software (dynamic discounts).

At the conclusion of the period, one type of card 310 can be simplydiscarded. Other cards 310 can be set-up to receive offers from newsuppliers and their products and services via the network/bus. Stillother cards 310 can interact with one another, providing comparativepricing information that can then be used and stored by the otherperson.

When a buyer orders, the price discount shown on the display (e.g.,presentation component 120) can be confirmed and sent to the supplier.For example, the information access component 110 can send the order tothe supplier via the network/bus. All order information can be sent aswell within the same digital transfer although this is not necessary.Shipping options/preferences as well can be programmed or a defaultprovided. If the price is aggregated with others during a set period oftime, the final price can be determined by the total volume ordered andshown to the buyer at that time. All products, prices, volumes,suppliers, etc. can then be saved to the card 310 and/or sent to theuser's home account on the Internet for future access, ported, etc.

An individual carrying a dynamic discount card 310 equipped withintelligence can be alerted to new price discounts and buyingopportunities for select items that have been tagged by the user.Likewise, the same cards 310 can interface with one another, allowing acard to synch with another card. In such a case, a buying group (e.g., apurchasing co-op) could issue cards that carry their own dynamicdiscount cards 310 with select suppliers. The cards 310 thus can createa network of buyers with access to current and future prices. Thebuyers' cards 310 can automatically synchronize demand among members forthese items and track the numbers of the group as a whole. A buyer couldopt to accept this price or alternatively accept a different one shownby the presentation component 120.

In some cases as a variation, suppliers can choose to bid on the volumein real-time in which case a central buyer may be given authority toplace the order on behalf of the group (with certain restrictionsnoted). In other cases, the issuing party is a publisher seeking tocreate value for readers while selling adjoining advertising space andsupplier fees for posting offers by product search code.

The code can be identified per individual user and can track theorigination of the program by each message sent by the supplier ororiginating source. For instance, one interpretation of the code03380907 could as follows: 03 corresponds to a supplier (e.g., AcmeInc.), 3 is a type of message (e.g., an electronic message), 8 is anaddress code with city and state, 0 is a type of customer (e.g., adirect user), 9 could correlate to a time sent and discount period open(e.g., two weeks), and 0 could be an actual discount (e.g., 10%) and 7can be a unique code assigned to a product. Additionally it should benoted that a picture of the item as well as technical data could be sentalong with the closest location.

The entire code number could be entered by the prospect with a press ofthe button upon the user input component 320 to see the entire pricecurve, future discounts, and a variety of other items currentlyavailable with the demand aggregation. An accept offer icon can beavailable such that a customer can submit acceptance by pressing abutton or confirming via voice activation number sent. Other availableoptions include but are not limited to various alerts timed to price andtime period elapsed.

The code can be entered verbally, scanned, called in, etc., but thetranslator is able to take the unique pulse or id number once used andcollate all orders as they arrive. A tracking system can facilitatedetermining a current volume of items ordered as well as availablequantity left. The supplier then has the ability to target differentprograms online or via voice activation by simply entering thecorresponding code and making the change (e.g., all distributors receivean additional 5% off if the order is received within the next 24 hours).

Segments of DDC cardholders can be targeted as well based on a varietyof preferences. For example, if a national equipment rental company hasonly a 35% rental rate in the Dallas market, an offer can be presentedto the 1,000 cardholders within a 50 mile radius of the zip codeindicating a new price curve or discount based on renting equipment fromthat location within the next 48 hours. A discount curve can be shownalong with the final price that is calculated even after the product hasbeen rented. In this case, a discount can be offered.

Management software enables the supplier to post offers to different DDCmembers segmented by any number of criteria including but not limited togeography in real-time, personal profile, the volume ordered previously,and product bundling (e.g., if item X is ordered, Y is now 10% off).

The card 310 can be scanned as well through a variety of swipes that canmake the “purchase” along with proper payment and debit/creditinformation. A “final” price can be determined by expiration of a periodas well as a final volume ordered by the group along with discountsgiven along the way. Any limitations can be recorded in the uniquenumber including payment terms, available credit, etc.

The card 310 can be updated automatically as well for the customer andthose customers who have not yet ordered but have indicated they want tobe updated on the progress of an offer. Furthermore, an alert can besent when there is price movement down (certain signal) or up (differentsignal). The available quantity can also be shown in real-time alongwith a purchase when volume reaches X or price equals Z. An auto-ordercan be placed or the user can select an “alert me before placing order”that responds in kind.

Multiple products and offers can be received, stored and retrieved asrequired. A screening filter is also available (e.g., mycard) utilizingthe user input component 320 to select those product/service categoriesmost interested by the cardholder. The cardholder has the ability toturn off the offers as well based on any number of criteria. The card310 then saves these requests and does not translate their respectivetransmissions, but instead filters them out accordingly (suppliers canaccess this information). Filters can be engaged temporarily or longer.The card can be set-up by a myriad of ways that can be controlled by theprovider of the card (e.g., no filters on select suppliers) or filteredby the buyer (purchasing co-op defaulting to certain suppliers overothers). Furthermore, the cards 310 can interact with a central databaseof offers submitted by the supplier and organized by an indexed systemthat can be searched.

A supplier who issues a card 310 can be required to maintain a privatepassword, code, etc. to access the card. While the discount cards 310will interface with one another via various devices to update the latestprices and access codes, a provider of the card 310 can have aregistration page and process that requires payment by the supplier toshow the prices in real-time to the group of buyers. If a supplierpurchases a product ID code to advertise, this can be seen on thedisplay screen as well while the prices are being presented.

In addition, GPS can be utilized to interface with the cards 310 andshow a graphical representation of everyone across the globe, theirlocation, etc. A supplier may request and pay to send a message to agroup of select customers within a geographical area at a certain time.Likewise, they may pay to see what buyers have ordered a certain UNCitem over the past two months and resend a new special that will bepositioned first when these individuals select to search the item next.Again, placement and positions can be sold by the UNC number, location,and many other criteria or filtered out.

For example, a buyer could pull out the card 310, enter a hotel locationand specify the number of nights utilizing the user input component 320and see via the presentation component 120 the list of available hotelsalong with those with price curves (current and future prices), theshopping bots (current price), other opportunities (co-op price), orlast minute opportunities provided by other sources. The card 310 wouldenable the buyer to see a comparison of the modules and place an orderwith one of his/her choice.

Dynamic discount cards 310 can also interface with the equipment and/orproduct themselves. In time, chips embedded in the item will respond toeither the equipment as it is producing the product in question and/orthe product as it is being delivered to inventory. The system can returnprice and an availability point according to this system as well whichmay be aggregated or unaggregated. An option can exist to calculate thetransportation/freight cost and show the final price and availability tothe buyer. The buyer can accept or reject this offer.

Dynamic discount cards 310 can also be sent to select buyers withcertain built-in discounts based on company size, negotiated pricesalready established, etc. but will still integrate with the demandaggregation concept and shopping bots results. For example, a largebuyer can have dynamic discount cards 310 with a supplier's item showinga price of X. The card 310 receives dynamic pricing data from thatsupplier via the information access component 110 and, in the event theprice drops below X, the buyer(s) is alerted to this opportunity.Another example is to have a pre-negotiated “5% below the lowest pricemade public,” which means the card 310 would register a price that is 5%below the lowest price available from this supplier with the DDC 310 forthat item. The price for this item(s) is automatically calculated by thecard 310 and shown to all buyers with the presentation component 120.Yet another example is the card 310 that has a priority over otherbuyers by seeing the offer in advance. An offer would be sent via asignal from the network/bus to the DDC that denotes it as a “special”offer with limited review time.

A cardholder has the ability to search by product category, productitem, supplier by name, and a variety of other options. The search canbe initiated by the user via the user input component 320.

In yet another example, a publisher, portal, search engine, etc.providing the dynamic discount cards 310 can have the activities ofevery member tracked accordingly. For instance, if two million dynamicdiscount cards 310 are issued and their activities are stored, thatpublisher has the ability to track in real-time the demand andpurchasing activity online. This information can be bundled and sold tosuppliers, advertisers and other interested parties. The recipients ofthe DDC's 310 are notified of the terms and conditions surrounding thisparticular card and should accept or reject these conditions. Thus, howthis information will be used is important for buyer as well assuppliers involved. The buyer activity may be tracked in a wide range ofsegments including but not limited to:

-   -   Geography    -   Items (product codes as mentioned earlier)    -   When card was activated and activity since    -   Purchase prices and quantities    -   How purchased—demand aggregation, shopping bots, catalog access,        etc.    -   Feedback on supplier recorded and tracked    -   Ancillary products ordered    -   Pricing fluctuations    -   Product history    -   Personal preferences—filled out at time of card receipt

Another variation is for the card 310 to simply assign a number to aparticular discount % once confirmed. For instance, if a buyer selectsan item from the DDC 310 and a price is shown along with a discount, aquick code can be generated. That code can then be saved and used by thebuyer when he/she places the order (can be at a later time, attached toa purchase order, referenced at time of ordering, etc.). This code canbe good for a certain time period (e.g., 24 hours) as specified by thesupplier. Again, different variations exist to allow for multiple codesto be issued to different buyers. If the code is not used within thespecified time, the offer can lapse accordingly. The DDC 310 records andsaves pertinent information on the buyer as well as the central databaseof all DDC 310 holders.

Yet another example, a supplier can see the buyer has responded to 5offers but has not placed a single order. The supplier can seek to havethis buyer blocked from the offer or otherwise restrict the buyer fromplacing an order.

Turning to FIG. 4, illustrated is a dynamic discount card system 400according to an aspect of the present invention. The system 400comprises a dynamic discount card 410 that receives information to auser from a supplier(s) via a network/bus and transmits information fromthe user to the supplier(s). The dynamic discount card 410 comprises aninformation access component 110, a presentation component 120, and auser input component 320 as described supra. The dynamic discount card410 can further comprises an artificial intelligence component 420.

The artificial intelligence component 420 can make inferences regardinginformation to display upon the card 410 utilizing the presentationcomponent 120. Additionally and/or alternatively, the artificialintelligence component 420 can infer a user's intended input via theuser input component 320. Therefore, the artificial intelligencecomponent 420 can effectuate altering the displayed information upon thepresentation component 120 in accordance with the performed inference.Alternatively, the artificial intelligence component 420 can accept anoffer from a supplier based upon the inference. The artificialintelligence component 420 can employ techniques such as, for example,Bayesian networks, support vector machines, etc. to perform suchinferences. However, the present invention is not limited to thesetechniques to perform such inferences.

Turning now to FIG. 5, illustrated is a dynamic discount card system 500according to an aspect of the present invention. The system 500comprises a dynamic discount card 510, which has embeddedintelligence/software that allows it to access the price curves,quantities, etc. established by a wide variety of supplies as well asdisplay results of other standard shopping bots that seek to find thelowest prices for the same product. For example, the card 510 can be athin card with a visual display panel 520 thereupon. The card 510 canreceive and display real-time updates from the price curves and show avariety of displays automatically (e.g., graphs, low to high, supplier'slocation . . . ). Additionally, a user can interact with the dynamicdiscount card 510 by utilizing input devices (e.g., user input component320) such as buttons 530.

The dynamic discount card 510 also can receive and transmit information.For example, the dynamic discount card 510 can receive/transmitinformation wirelessly utilizing a tower 540 and/or a satellite 550.

In view of the exemplary systems described supra, a methodology that maybe implemented in accordance with the present invention will be betterappreciated with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 6. While forpurposes of simplicity of explanation, the methodology is shown anddescribed as a series of blocks, it is to be understood and appreciatedthat the present invention is not limited by the order of the blocks, assome blocks may, in accordance with the present invention, occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methodology in accordance with the presentinvention.

Turning to FIG. 6, a methodology 600 for transacting businesselectronically is illustrated in accordance with an aspect of thepresent invention. At 610, a dynamic discount card is obtained. At 620,the discount card is utilized to obtain pricing information about one ormore products. As noted supra, the information can be obtained via theinformation access component 110 (FIG. 1). For example, the informationcan be obtained wirelessly and/or from a satellite. Furthermore, theinformation can be displayed to a user by employing a presentationcomponent 120 (FIG. 1). Finally, at 630, the discount card is employedto place an order for one or more products. By way of example, the ordercan be placed by a user via a user input component 320 (FIG. 3).

The aforementioned systems and methods can be employed within numerousenvironments. The dynamic discount card systems and methods describedsupra can be utilized in connection with the following systems andmethods.

Referring to FIG. 7, a system 710 is shown in which multiple buyers 715and sellers 720 are electronically linked via a central server 725. Asdiscussed in more detail below, the central server 725 is configured toprovide the buyers 715 and sellers 720 with a convenient forum in whichto buy and sell goods in accordance with a multiple criteria buying andselling methodology described herein. The forum may be, for example, apre-established Internet web page where sellers 720 are able to postproduct information and the buyers 715 are able to order products. Themultiple criteria buying scheme calls for a seller 720 to post a numberof deals for a given product, which vary according to different offeringcriteria defining the limits of a number of selling criteria, such asfor example, price, volume, quality and delivery time. Each buyer 715 isable to enter a range of criteria that the buyer would require for adeal to be made. A list of sellers and prospective deals offered bythese sellers is generated for the buyers to review. Each buyer 715 canthen review the list of deals and choose a deal based on the buyer'sparticular needs. In this manner, each of the buyers 715 can be certainthat particular thresholds have been met and also be guaranteed ofcompleting a deal.

It is to be appreciated that the present invention has wideapplicability to the purchasing and/or selling of a variety of differentproducts and/or services. For example, the present invention may beapplied within the context of purchasing and/or selling airline ticketswherein buyers' criteria may include, for example: (1) reputation ofairline; (2) reliability; (3) timeliness; (4) price; (5) number ofalternative flights; (6) comfort; (7) quality of service; and (8)quality of foods. The sellers' criteria may include, for example: (1)volume of tickets; (2) buyer's versatility in time schedule; (3) buyer'smethod of payment, etc.

The present invention may also be applied in the context of purchasingand/or selling an automobile wherein the buyer's criteria may include,for example: (1) reputation of automobile manufacturer; (2) reputationof dealer; (3) price of automobile; (4) delivery options; (5) automobileavailability; (6) safety; and (7) financing terms; etc. While, theseller's criteria may include, for example: (1) buyer'screditworthiness; (2) desired finance terms; (3) delivery requests ofbuyer; (4) delivery dates; etc.

Thus, the present invention intends to allow buyers and/or sellers ofproducts and/or services to pre-select a plurality of criteria prior tonegotiating a deal for the product and/or service. Of course thepre-selected criteria will vary depending on the particular productand/or service. The scope of the present invention as defined in thehereto appended claims intends to include any product and/or service(and plurality of pre-selected criteria associated therewith) suitablefor deal-making in accordance with the present invention.

Each of the buyers 715 and sellers 720 may access the central server 725in any of a variety of ways. For example, in the present aspect, eachbuyer 715 and seller 720 is shown to be part of separate establishments730 which include one or more respective computer systems 735 and localservers 740. The computer systems 735 may, for example, be a desktop orlaptop computer with a local area network (LAN) interface forcommunicating over a network backbone 745 to the local server 740. Thelocal servers 740, in turn, interface with the central server 725 via anetwork cable 750 or the like. It will be appreciated that while thepresent aspect depicts the computer system 735 communicating with thecentral server 725 via hardwired network connections, in an alternativeaspect the computer system 735 may interface with the central server 725using a modem, wireless local area and/or wide area networks, etc.Further, it will be appreciated, that while the buyers 715 and sellers720 are shown to communicate with the central server 725 via differentcomputer systems 735, it will be appreciated that the buyers 715 and/orsellers 720 may access the central server 725 from the same computersystem 725.

Turning now to FIG. 8 a, a block diagram of the hardware components ofthe central server 725 is shown. In particular, the central server 725includes a central processor 800 for performing the various functionsdescribed herein. A memory 805 is coupled to the processor 800 andstores operating code and other data associated with the operations ofthe central server 725. A user interface 810 is also coupled to theprocessor 800 and provides an interface through which the central server725 may be directly programmed or accessed. The user interface 810 may,for example, be an alphanumeric keyboard and mouse. A network interface815 coupled to the processor 800 provides multiple connections fortransceiving information with buyers 715 and sellers 720 over thenetwork cables 750.

As previously stated, the present invention could take advantage of thewide availability and versatility of the Internet. Referring to FIG. 8b, a schematic block diagram that depicts an environment of interest toone aspect of the present invention. The client computer system 735 isshown connected to the central server computer system 725 that is partof the Internet 760. The client computer system 735 and server 725 areconnected via an Internet connection 755 using a public switched phonenetwork, for example, such as those provided by a local or regionaltelephone operating company. The Internet connection 755 may also beprovided by dedicated data lines, Personal Communication Systems(“PCS”), microwave, or satellite networks, for example, or any suitablemeans. It is to be understood that the terms client and server are to beconstrued in the broadest sense, and that all such constructions of theterms are intended to fall within the scope of the hereto appendedclaims.

Turning now to FIG. 9, an exemplary Internet web page 820 which providesbuyers 715 and sellers 720 with access to a forum for conductingbusiness using the multiple criteria buying methodology described indetail below, is shown. The web page 820 is shown to include hyperlinksfor handling both registered and un-registered buyers and sellers ofproducts. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, registered buyers may selecta hyperlink to a registered buyer login screen via hyperlink 825 whilenon-registered buyers may select a hyperlink to a non-registered buyerregistration screen via hyperlink 835. Similarly, registered sellers mayselect a hyperlink to a registered seller login screen via hyperlink830, while non-registered sellers may select a hyperlink to anon-registered seller registration screen via hyperlink 840. While thepresent aspect illustrates separate hyperlinks for buyers and sellers,it will be appreciated that such hyperlinks could alternatively becombined and the status of buyer or seller could be determined during alater stage in the login procedure.

Turning now to FIG. 10 a, in accordance with one aspect of the presentinvention, registered buyers 715 enter several product buying criteriainto a “Buyer's Buying Criteria” input page 850. The buyer 715 selects aproduct or service from a list in a scroll down menu 852. It should beappreciated that the list on the scroll down menu 852 could include anynumber of related or non-related goods and services only limited by thesize of a database used in accordance with the present invention. Uponselecting a product or service (e.g., glass) from the scroll down menu852, a list of seller criteria automatically appears in a window 860.The list of seller criteria appearing in the window 860 is the minimuminputs to be provided by the buyer to obtain a deal listing. Theseminimum inputs are decided by the class of sellers selling theindividual product or service and/or decided by the system administratorof the system. The buyer 715 can then begin adding buyer buying criteriaby selecting the criteria from a scroll down list 854, and clicking onan “Add to List” button 856 with a computer mouse (not shown), forexample. If the buyer 715 desires to remove a buyer buying criteria, itis only necessary to highlight the criteria in the window 860 and clickon a “Remove from List” button 858. Once the list is completed, thebuyer 715 may add additional criteria thought to be important to thebuyer not in the selection of choices. These additional criteria willnot be used by the buyer in this particular deal search, but will beprovided to the sellers, so that they can be alerted of these additionalcriteria important to the buyer. The seller may opt to add to theselectable choices these additional buyer's buying criteria at a latertime. Once the complete custom buyer buying criteria list is completed,the buyer can click on the “Submit Criteria” button 862 for submissionof the buyer's buying criteria to build a “Buyer's Product OrderingCriteria” input screen 865, as illustrated in FIG. 10 b.

Turning now to FIG. 10 b, in accordance with one aspect of the presentinvention, registered buyers 715 enter several product ordering criteriathat would be acceptable to the buyer 715 on the “Buyer's ProductOrdering Criteria” input screen 865. In this particular example, thebuyer 715 is looking to purchase raw glass by the pound, however, manydifferent types of products and services could be purchased/sold usingthe present invention. The buyer's ordering criteria of this exampleincludes: price range 866 in dollars per pound; volume range 868 innumber of pounds; delivery range 870 in days; the acceptable % ofdefects 872 in percent; and the minimum required warranty 874 in months.The buyer 715 can then list the names of the sellers 720 in the window876 that the buyer 715 has bought products from previously, so that thebuyer 715 can be entitled to any good customer or multi-purchasediscounts offered by the sellers 720. Once the buying ordering criteriaare entered, the buyer can search for deals by clicking on the “Searchfor Deal” button 878 on the computer screen using the computer's mouse.The present invention then utilizes a search engine to search through adatabase of deals offered by various sellers of the product, andprovides an output of those deals to the buyer that matches the buyer'sordering criteria by outputting a list of these deals on a “DealMatching Ordering Criteria” output page 880, as shown in FIG. 10 c.

Turning now to FIG. 10 c, in accordance with one aspect of the presentinvention, registered sellers 720 set up a variety of deals 882 by whichregistered buyers 715 are able to order products. As will be discussedin more detail below, the deals 882 of the present aspect are set up todisplay the following information which is input from the seller 720and/or calculated by the processor 800 of the central processor 725according to the deal 882, which includes: a seller name 884; a dealnumber 886; a volume ordering range required 888 to obtain a currentprice/pound level 890; an expected delivery time 892; a warranty period896; and a percentage of defects 898 of the product the buyer 715 canexpect to receive in a given order. Based on such information, buyers715 can make an informed decision as to whether they desire to commit toan order on a particular deal based on the criteria that is important tothat particular buyer. If a buyer 715 desires to place an order, thebuyer 715 inputs a seller 883, a deal number 885 and a volume order 887.The buyer 715 then clicks on the “Submit Deal” button 889 with a mousepointer, for example, on the computer display and the deal is finalized.

Turning now to FIG. 11, the general steps taken by a buyer 715 enteringthe web page 850 is shown. More particularly, in step 900 it isinitially determined whether a buyer 715 is registered or not. If thebuyer 715 is not registered, the buyer 715 selects hyperlink 835 (FIG.9) and proceeds to step 905. In step 905 the processor 800 of thecentral server 725 requests that the buyer 715 fill out a registrationform. For example, the buyer 715 is requested to fill out a registrationform 908 such as that shown in FIG. 12. In the present example, theregistration form 908 requests that the buyer 715 enter the followinginformation: buyer name; address; primary contact person; phone; fax;e-mail; short description of company; preferred login user name; andpreferred password. With respect to the user name and password, theprocessor 800 is configured to determine whether the selected user nameand password combination are available and, if not, to prompt the buyer715 to enter a new user name and password until an available combinationis selected.

In step 910 (FIG. 11), the buyer is requested to fill out a credit cardapplication so that purchases made on the web site may be immediatelyapproved. The credit card registration and approval process may beaccomplished via a hyperlink to one of various electronic credit cardapproval agencies which check the buyer's credit rating and set up amerchant account with a line of credit. For example, an electroniccredit card approval agency which may be used in conjunction with thepresent invention can be found on the Internet athttp://www.interent-ecommerce.com. Next, in step 915, the processor 800determines if the credit card application has been approved by theelectronic credit card approval agency. If the credit card applicationhas not been approved, the processor 800 proceeds to step 920 where amessage is sent back to the buyer 715 indicating regret that they havenot been approved for a line of credit and therefore have notsuccessfully completed the registration process. In step 920, a customerservice telephone number also is provided to the buyer 715 in case thebuyer has questions and/or desires to pursue registration further.

If in step 915, the processor 800 is informed that the buyer 715 hasbeen provided a line of credit and a credit card number has been issued,the processor 800 proceeds to step 925. In step 925 the buyerinformation from the registration form 908 and the newly issued creditcard number are stored in a buyer database 970 (FIG. 13) in the memory805 of the processor 725 (FIG. 8 a). Next, in step 930, the processor800 is configured to provide the buyer 715 with the newly issued creditcard number so that the buyer 715 is able to purchase products and/orservices. Furthermore, the processor 800 is configured to provide areport to the system administrator who then mails a confirmation copy ofthe buyer's information stored in the buyer's database to the buyer 715.This completes the buyer's registration process.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 11, if in step 900, a buyer has alreadyregistered, the buyer 715 may login as a registered user by selectingthe registered user hyperlink 825 (FIG. 9). Once selected, the processor800, in step 940 prompts the buyer 715 to enter a user ID and password.Upon entry of such information, the processor 800 in step 940 verifiesthe user ID and password with those stored in the buyer database 970(FIG. 13). If the user ID and password entered by the buyer 715 does notmatch any entry in the buyer database 970, the processor 800 in step 940returns to step 935 for re-entry of such information. If, however, instep 940, a valid user ID and password are entered, the processor 800proceeds to step 945.

In step 945, the processor 800 provides the buyer 715 with a buyer'sbuying criteria input screen where the buyer 715 is able to enter avariety of buying criteria that is important to that particular buyer715. The buyer 715 selects a plurality of buying criteria and submitsthe criteria, so that the system can build an input ordering criteriaform. In step 950, the buyer 715 enters the range of ordering criteriathat is acceptable to the buyer in the input ordering criteria form, andthen submits these criteria causing the system search engine to matchthe ordering criteria with a list of seller deals in a seller dealdatabase. The search engine then lists the seller deals matching thebuyer's buying and ordering criteria. As discussed above, the deals 882provided to the buyer 715 provide the buyer 715 with informationregarding the sale of a particular product such as, for example, thevolume range to get a particular price per pound, the delivery time, thewarranty period and the percentage of defects in each order that a buyercan expect. In order to allow a buyer to quickly find deals 882 ofinterest, the processor 800 in step 945 provides the buyer 715 with theinput “Buyer's Buying Criteria” input screen 850, so that active deals882 of interest may be found.

Once a search is completed, the buyer 715 in step 950 is able to selecta desired deal 882 from the results obtained. For example, the buyer 715may choose a desired deal because it has a faster delivery time than theother deals. The buyer 715 may choose a deal because it has a lowpercentage of defects in the goods, or has a longer warranty than othergoods. Regardless of the deal, the buyer 715 may choose, the buyer 715can make an informed decision based on a variety of buying criteria. Ifthe buyer 715 is unsatisfied with the search results or simply desiresto re-perform the search, the buyer 715 at any time is able to returnback to a previous screen selecting the “back” function available usingan Internet browser such as, for example, Microsoft Internet Explorer,Netscape, etc. Additionally, a hyperlink to various screens, such as thesearch screen, preferably is provided on each web page.

Upon selecting a deal 882, the processor 800 in step 955 displays a pageof standard terms and conditions which the buyer 715 must agree to priorto completing the deal. The terms and conditions relate to the termsgoverning the sale of the product or service according to which both thebuyer and seller are willing to conduct business. If the terms andconditions are not accepted, the processor 800 returns the buyer 715 tostep 945, so that another deal 882 may be selected and/or another searchmay be performed. If, however, in step 960 the terms and conditions areaccepted, the processor 800 proceeds to allow the buyer 715 to completethe deal in step 965.

Turning now to FIG. 14 a, in accordance with one aspect of the presentinvention, registered sellers 720 enter into a “Create or Modify Deal”screen 975. The seller 720 can choose a product or service from theproduct/service scroll down menu 976 and choose to either click on an“Open New Deal” button 978, a “Modify Existing Deal” button 980 or a“Review Buyer Inputted Criteria” button 982. If the buyer selects the“Review Buyer Inputted Criteria” button 982, the seller will be providedwith a list of buyer buying criteria that the buyers 715 manuallyinputted into the window 860 of FIG. 10 a. This allows the sellers 720to review criteria that are important to their buyers, which the sellerwas not aware. If a seller 720 chooses to click on the “Open New Deal”button 978, the seller 720 will enter into a “Seller's Product SellingCriteria” input screen 1000, as illustrated in FIG. 14 b. If the seller720 chooses to click on the “Modify Existing Deal” button 980, theseller 720 will enter into a “Seller's Product Offering Criteria” inputscreen 1030, as illustrated in FIG. 14 c with the seller being promptedto enter a deal number, which causes the ordering criteria of the chosendeal number to be editable in the input screen.

Referring to FIG. 14 b illustrating the “Seller's Selling Criteria”input screen 1000, the seller 720 can begin building a new deal by firstselecting a number of seller additional criteria, and seller criteriafrom a list in a scroll down menu 1002 and a list in scroll down menu1006, respectively. The seller can click on the “Add Seller AdditionalCriteria” button 1004 for adding seller additional criteria from thescroll down menu 1002 into a window 1010 containing a deal criteria list1003. The deal criteria list 1003 includes a first portion listing the“Product Agreed upon Seller Criteria” 1005, decided by the group ofsellers for a particular product/service and/or the systemadministrator, a second portion which is the seller criteria list 1007and a third portion which is the seller additional criteria list 1009.It should be noted that the criteria in the seller additional criterialist is not a mandatory criteria for the buyer when the buyer isinputting the buyer's buying criteria in step 945 of FIG. 11, but islisted in the terms and condition step 965 after a deal is chosen by thebuyer. The seller can add seller criteria by selecting the criteria fromthe scroll down bar 1006 and clicking on the “Add Seller Criteria”button 1008. The seller can remove any of the criteria from the overallcriteria list, except for the “Product Agreed upon Seller Criteria”, byhighlighting the selection with the computer mouse and clicking on a“Remove from List” button 1012. The seller 720 can add new sellingcriteria by clicking on a hyperlink 1016 labeled “Add New Criteria”sending the seller 720 to an “Adding and Modifying Deal Criteria” screen1060, illustrated in FIG. 14 d. The seller can modify current criteriaby highlighting the criteria in window 1010 and clicking on a hyperlink1018 labeled “Modify Existing Criteria” sending the seller to the“Adding and Modifying Deal Criteria” screen 1060 with the criteriainformation defaulting to the highlighted criteria for modificationtherefrom.

Referring now to FIG. 14 c, once the criteria are selected andsubmitted, the system generates the “Seller's Product Offering Criteria”input screen 1030. A seller number 1031, a product type 1032 and acurrent deal number 1033 are automatically generated at the top of inputscreen 1030. The seller 720 can enter offering limits relating to theselling criteria of the seller's product for a particular deal. Theseller's offering criteria of this example includes: price 866 indollars per pound; volume range 868 in the number of pounds; deliverytime 870 in days; the % of defects 872 in percent; and the warranty 874in months. The seller 720 can then list the names of the buyers 715 in awindow 1044 that the deal is being offered or type in the term “All” ifthe offer is open to any buyer. Once the seller offering criteria isentered, the seller 720 can submit the deal by clicking on a“Submit/Modify Deal” button 1050 on the computer screen by using thecomputer's mouse. The present invention then creates a record of thedeal in a database of deals offered by various sellers 720 of theproduct, so that deals which seller's offering criteria match thebuyer's ordering criteria can be outputted to the buyer 715 in a list ofdeals on the “Deals Matching Ordering Criteria” output page 880, asshown in FIG. 10 c.

Referring now to FIG. 14 d, the “Adding Deal Criteria” input screen 1060will be described. The seller number 1031, the product type 1032 and thecurrent deal number 1033 are automatically generated at the top of inputscreen 1060. The seller 720 can enter a criteria name in the “EnterCriteria Name” box 1062. The seller can then choose whether the criteriaare a seller type or a seller additional criteria type from a firstscroll down menu 1064. The seller 720 can choose a criteria type from asecond scroll down menu 1066 and the criteria units in a third scrolldown menu 1068. The seller can submit these new criteria for the currentdeal by clicking on the “Submit New Criteria for Current Deal” button1070 or add the new criteria for all the product deals by clicking onthe “Submit New Criteria for All Product Deals” button 1072. The seller720 may at any time review the buyer inputted criteria submitted by thebuyer 715 that is not in any of the seller's deals by clicking on the“Review Buyer Inputted Criteria” button 1076. The seller 720 can reviewthis list to determine whether or not the seller 720 would like to addthese criteria to the present deal or all deals to ensure that they arein accord with buyer needs. The seller 720 may also review the criteriathat are offered by other sellers, but not the current seller, byclicking on a “Review Other Seller Criteria” button 1078. This will helpthe seller keep current on what the other seller's selling criteria arebeing utilized for matching to the buyer's buying criteria to satisfythe current market demands.

If the seller would like to return to the “Create or Modify Deal” screen975 the seller 720 can click on the “Cancel” button at any time.Furthermore, if the seller 720 simply desires to re-perform the search,the seller 720 at any time is able to return back to a previous screenselecting the “back” function available using an Internet browser suchas, for example, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape, etc.Additionally, a hyperlink to various screens, such as the search screen,preferably is provided on each web page.

Proceeding now to FIG. 15, the operations of the processor 800 of thecentral server 725 in handling sellers 720 is depicted. In particular,the processor 800 in step 1100 initially determines whether a seller 720is registered or not based on which hyperlink 830, 840 (FIG. 9) theseller 720 selects. If the seller 720 selects hyperlink 840 indicatingthe seller is not registered, the processor 800 proceeds to step 1105.In step 1105, the processor 800 provides the seller 720 with a seller'sregistration form 1108 (FIG. 16) to fill out. The registration form 1108is similar to the registration form 908 for the buyer 720 and allows theseller 720 to select a preferred user ID and password. Once completed,the processor 800 proceeds to step 1110 where the seller 720 isrequested to submit a credit card application so that all costs and feesassociated with conducting business may be directly billed to theseller's credit card. As discussed above, the credit card approvalprocess may occur by a third party vendor accessible via a hyperlink.

Once the credit card application is submitted by the seller 720, theprocessor 800 proceeds to step 1115 where the processor 800 determinesif the credit card application has been approved. If the credit cardapplication has not been approved, the processor 800 proceeds to step1120 where the seller 720 is informed that their credit card applicationhas not been approved and the seller 720 is provided with a customerservice telephone number so that the seller 720 may optionally set upthe account in a different fashion. If, however, in step 1115 the creditcard application is accepted, the processor 800 proceeds to step 1125where the seller information is stored in a seller database 1127 (FIG.17). Finally, in step 1130, the processor 800 is configured to providethe seller 720 with the newly issued credit card number so that theseller 720 is able to open deals. Further, the processor 800 isconfigured to provide a report to a system administrator who then mailsa confirmation copy of the seller's information stored in the seller'sdatabase to the seller 720. This completes the seller's registrationprocess.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 15, if in step 1100 a seller has alreadyregistered, the seller 720 may login as a registered user by selectingthe registered user hyperlink 830 (FIG. 9). Once selected, the processor800, in step 1135 prompts the seller 720 to enter their user ID andpassword. Upon input of the user ID and password, the processor 800proceeds to step 1140 where the processor 800 verifies a valid user IDand password have been entered by comparison with the information storedin the seller database 1127 (FIG. 17). If the user ID and passwordentered by the seller 720 does not match any entry in the sellerdatabase 1127, the processor 800 in step 1140 returns to step 1135 forre-entry of such information. If, however, in step 1140, a valid user IDand password are entered, the processor 800 proceeds to step 1145.

Upon successful entry of a user ID and password, the seller 720 isprovided with a seller option screen 975 as shown in FIG. 14 a. Forexample, the seller 720 may decide to open a new deal 882 or the seller720 may decide to view a current deal 882 for one of a number of goodsor services offered by the seller 720 or review a list of buyer inputtedcriteria. Accordingly, if in step 1145, the processor 800 determinesthat the seller 720 desires to open new deal 882 for a selected product,the processor 800 proceeds to step 1160.

In step 1160, the processor 800 requests that the seller 720 enter theseller's selling criteria, so that the system can build a seller'sproduct offering criteria input screen, in step 1165. For example, inthe present aspect the product agreed upon seller criteria is the volumerange of the order and the price per pound of the order, the seller'sselling criteria includes the delivery time and warranty with quality tobe added next, and the seller additional criteria is that the buyer paythe cost of shipping the goods. As discussed above, the processor 800utilizes the information input from the seller 720 to display a seller'sproduct ordering input form 1030.

In step 1165, the processor 800 request that the seller enter the limitsassociated with the seller's selling criteria chosen in step 1160, andthe list of buyer's entitled to be offered the present deal. Theinformation is entered and submitted to form a deal. The processor 800uses this information to match buying and ordering criteria of the buyerwith selling and offering criteria of the seller, so that deals can becompleted in an expedited manner.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 15, if in step 1145, the seller 720 has notselected to open a new deal, the processor 800 determines in step 1150whether the seller 720 has decided to modify an existing deal 882. Inthe present aspect of the invention, the seller 720 is limited to modifythose deals which they have opened. Accordingly, if the processor 800determines that the seller does desire to modify a deal 882, theprocessor 800 provides the seller 720 with a list of deals 880 which theseller has opened. Upon selection of one of the deals 882, the processor800 proceeds to step 1155 where the deal 882 is displayed to the seller720. If a deal 882 is not entered in step 1150, or following steps 1155and 1160, the processor 800 returns to step 1145.

The present invention may be implemented via object oriented programmingtechniques. In this case each component of the system, could be anobject in a software routine or a component within an object. Objectoriented programming shifts the emphasis of software development awayfrom function decomposition and towards the recognition of units ofsoftware called “objects” which encapsulate both data and functions.Object Oriented Programming (OOP) objects are software entitiescomprising data structures and operations on data. Together, theseelements enable objects to model virtually any real-world entity interms of its characteristics, represented by its data elements, and itsbehavior represented by its data manipulation functions. In this way,objects can model concrete things like people and computers, and theycan model abstract concepts like numbers or geometrical concepts.

The benefit of object technology arises out of three basic principles:encapsulation, polymorphism and inheritance. Objects hide or encapsulatethe internal structure of their data and the algorithms by which theirfunctions work. Instead of exposing these implementation details,objects present interfaces that represent their abstractions cleanlywith no extraneous information. Polymorphism takes encapsulation onestep further—the idea being many shapes, one interface. A softwarecomponent can make a request of another component without knowingexactly what that component is. The component that receives the requestinterprets it and figures out according to its variables and data how toexecute the request. The third principle is inheritance, which allowsdevelopers to reuse pre-existing design and code. This capability allowsdevelopers to avoid creating software from scratch. Rather, throughinheritance, developers derive subclasses that inherit behaviors whichthe developer then customizes to meet particular needs.

In particular, an object includes, and is characterized by, a set ofdata (e.g., attributes) and a set of operations (e.g., methods), thatcan operate on the data. Generally, an object's data is ideally changedonly through the operation of the object's methods. Methods in an objectare invoked by passing a message to the object (e.g., message passing).The message specifies a method name and an argument list. When theobject receives the message, code associated with the named method isexecuted with the formal parameters of the method bound to thecorresponding values in the argument list. Methods and message passingin OOP are analogous to procedures and procedure calls inprocedure-oriented software environments.

However, while procedures operate to modify and return passedparameters, methods operate to modify the internal state of theassociated objects (by modifying the data contained therein). Thecombination of data and methods in objects is called encapsulation.Encapsulation provides for the state of an object to only be changed bywell-defined methods associated with the object. When the behavior of anobject is confined to such well-defined locations and interfaces,changes (e.g., code modifications) in the object will have minimalimpact on the other objects and elements in the system.

Each object is an instance of some class. A class includes a set of dataattributes plus a set of allowable operations (e.g., methods) on thedata attributes. As mentioned above, OOP supports inheritance—a class(called a subclass) may be derived from another class (called a baseclass, parent class, etc.), where the subclass inherits the dataattributes and methods of the base class. The subclass may specializethe base class by adding code which overrides the data and/or methods ofthe base class, or which adds new data attributes and methods. Thus,inheritance represents a mechanism by which abstractions are madeincreasingly concrete as subclasses are created for greater levels ofspecialization.

The present invention can employ abstract classes, which are designs ofsets of objects that collaborate to carry out a set of responsibilities.Frameworks are essentially groups of interconnected objects and classesthat provide a prefabricated structure for a working application. Itshould also be appreciated that the PCM and the shared memory componentscould be implemented utilizing hardware and/or software, and all suchvariations are intended to fall within the appended claims includedherein.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, Java andCORBA (Common Object Request Broker Architecture) are employed to carryout the present invention. Java is an object-oriented, distributed,secure, architecture neutral language. Java provides for object-orienteddesign which facilitates the clean definition of interfaces and makes itpossible to provide reusable “software ICs.” Java has an extensivelibrary of routines for copying easily with TCP/IP protocols like HTTPand FTP. Java applications can open and access objects across a networkvia URLs with the same ease to which programmers are accustomed toaccessing a local file system.

Furthermore, Java utilizes “references” in place of a pointer model andso eliminates the possibility of overwriting memory and corrupting data.Instead of pointer arithmetic that is employed in many conventionalsystems, the Java “virtual machine” mediates access to Java objects(attributes and methods) in a type-safe way. In addition, it is notpossible to turn an arbitrary integer into a reference by casting (aswould be the case in C and C++ programs). In so doing, Java enables theconstruction of virus-free, tamper-free systems. The changes to thesemantics of references make it virtually impossible for applications toforge access to data structures or to access private data in objectsthat they do not have access to. As a result, most activities of virusesare precluded from corrupting a Java system.

Java affords for the support of applications on networks. Networks arecomposed of a variety of systems with a variety of CPU and operatingsystem architectures. To enable a Java application to execute anywhereon the network, a compiler generates an architecture neutral object fileformat—the compiled code is executable on many processors, given thepresence of the Java runtime system. Thus, Java is useful not only fornetworks but also for single system software distribution. In thepresent personal computer market, application writers have to produceversions of their applications that are compatible with the IBM PC andwith the Apple Macintosh. However, with Java, the same version of theapplication runs on all platforms. The Java compiler accomplishes thisby generating byte code instructions which have nothing to do with aparticular computer architecture. Rather, they are designed to be botheasy to interpret on any machine and easily translated into nativemachine code on the fly.

Being architecture neutral, the “implementation dependent” aspects ofthe system are reduced or eliminated. The Java virtual machine (VM) canexecute Java byte codes directly on any machine to which the VM has beenported. Since linking is a more incremental and lightweight process, thedevelopment process can be much more rapid and exploratory. As part ofthe byte code stream, more compile-time information is carried over andavailable at runtime.

Thus, the use of Java in the present invention provides a server to sendprograms over the network as easily as traditional servers send data.These programs can display and manipulate data on a client computer. Thepresent invention through the use of Java supports execution on multipleplatforms. That is the same programs can be run on substantially allcomputers—the same Java program can work on a Macintosh, a Windows 95machine, a Sun workstation, etc. To affect such multi-platform support,a network interface 805 and a network browser (not shown) such asNetscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer may be used in atleast one aspect of the present invention. It should be appreciated,however, that a Java stand-alone application may be constructed toachieve a substantially equivalent result. Although the presentinvention is described with respect to employing Java, it will beappreciated that any suitable programming language may be employed tocarry out the present invention.

An Internet explorer (e.g., Netscape, Microsoft Internet Explorer) isheld within the memory of the client computer. The Internet Explorerenables a user to explore the Internet and view documents from theInternet. The Internet Explorer may include client programs for protocolhandlers for different Internet protocols (e.g., HTTP, FTP and Gopher)to facilitate browsing using different protocols.

It is to be appreciated that any programming methodology and/or computerarchitecture suitable for carrying out the present invention may beemployed and are intended to fall within the scope of the heretoappended claims.

The following discussion concerns alternative aspects of the presentinvention. This discussion is provided to highlight alternative systemsand methods, but in is not to be construed as limiting the invention tothe particular aspects disclosed.

Buyer Sponsored Deal Room

Regarding FIG. 20, although the present invention has been largelydescribed within the context of a seller sponsored deal room, it is tobe appreciated that a buyer or buyers may sponsor a deal room toaggregate purchasing goods/services from a plurality of sellers. Forexample, a large corporate buyer may employ the present invention tocreate a deal room where a plurality of sellers may assemble toaggregate selling of specific goods and/or services that the buyerdesires. Such a transaction facilitates the buyer satisfying purchaserequirements in one forum and to coordinate deliver of goods/services.Furthermore, such a system facilitates sellers making sales to thebuyer, which but for the sellers being able to aggregate the buyer maynot have dealt with the individual seller because of insufficientcapacity to meet the buyer's needs. The subject specification describesexemplary systems and interfaces for implementing the subject invention,and therefore further discussion thereto is omitted for sake of brevity.However, it is to be appreciated that one skilled in the art based onthe above discussion regarding seller sponsored deal rooms/transactionscould apply such teachings to implement the aforementioned buyersponsored deal room/transaction.

Multiple Buyer and Multiple Seller Sponsored Deal Room/Transaction

Regarding FIG. 21, although the present invention has been largelydescribed within the context of a seller sponsored dealroom/transaction, it is to be appreciated that buyers and sellers mayconcurrently sponsor a deal room/transaction to aggregate selling of andpurchasing of goods/services by a plurality of sellers and buyersrespectively. For example, a multiple sellers and buyers may employ thepresent invention to create a deal room/transaction forum where aplurality of sellers and buyers may assemble to aggregate selling andbuying of specific goods and/or services that the sellers which to selland the buyers desire to purchase. Such a transaction forum createsgreat efficiencies with respect to purchase price and/or sellingquantity of particular goods/services. For example, in such a forumdedicated to the selling and purchasing of a specific product/service,sellers can assemble to compete for the sale of their respectiveproduct/service which leads to pricing efficiencies. Buyers can assemblein such a forum to aggregate buying power in order to negotiate goodprices and close deals. Sellers on the other hand may also aggregate tomeet the needs of a large buying block. The subject specificationdescribes exemplary systems and interfaces for implementing the subjectinvention, and therefore further discussion thereto is omitted for sakeof brevity. However, it is to be appreciated that one skilled in the artbased on the above discussion regarding seller sponsored dealrooms/transactions could apply such teachings to implement theaforementioned buyer sponsored deal room/transaction.

What has been described above includes examples of the presentinvention. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivablecombination of components or methodologies for purposes of describingthe present invention, but one of ordinary skill in the art mayrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the presentinvention are possible. Accordingly, the present invention is intendedto embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fallwithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to theextent that the term “includes” is used in either the detaileddescription or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in amanner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpretedwhen employed as a transitional word in a claim.

1. A dynamic discount card that electronically facilitates businesstransactions, comprising: an information access component that receivesfrom a communication network information that relates to a product forsale at a price that is updateable according to aggregate demand; and apresentation component that presents the information to a user.
 2. Thecard of claim 1, the communication network is at least one of a wirelessnetwork, a satellite network, or a bus.
 3. The card of claim 1, thepresentation component displays at least one of a product code, apicture, a current price, a future price, an availability, a shippingadded and final price, a list of suppliers, a price history, a rating bysupplier, a sorting by various options, and a filter associated withcertain suppliers.
 4. The card of claim 1, the price is updateableaccording to aggregate demand from one or more other dynamic discountcards.
 5. The card of claim 1 is disposable or expires after apredetermined time period.
 6. The card of claim 1, further comprising aconfiguration component that initializes the information accesscomponent to receive information.
 7. The card of claim 6, theconfiguration component at least one of transmits of updated informationto the information access component, preloads information to theinformation access component, loads a profile of a cardholder to theinformation access component, provides a user specific shippingpreference to the information access component, or preloads a set ofdiscounts to the information access component.
 8. The card of claim 1,further comprising a user input component that facilitates amodification of the information presented by the presentation component,and that further propagates the modification to the network.
 9. The cardof claim 8, the user input component is at least one of a touch screen,voice recognition software, or a magnetic strip or stripe.
 10. The cardof claim 8, the information access component receives an update inresponse to the propagated modification.
 11. The card of claim 10, theupdate facilitates at least one of a global change in the aggregatedemand that produces a change in the information presented by thepresentation component, or a change in a location of the card thatproduces a change in one or more outlets for the product included in theinformation presented by the presentation component.
 12. The card ofclaim 1 communicates with at least one of a demand card, a handleddevice, a product, a skid, a container, an ERP system, and a vehicle.13. The card of claim 1, the network facilitates communication betweenone or more other dynamic discount cards to create a co-op of buyerswith synchronized demand.
 14. A method for utilizing a dynamic discountcard for transacting business electronically, comprising: utilizing anetwork as a communication medium for a dynamic discount card; receivinginformation that relates to a product, the information including atleast an aspect of aggregated demand. storing the information to thedynamic discount card; and presenting the information by way of a set ofI/O features included in the dynamic discount card.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, further comprising utilizing the set of I/O features forentering an order for the product.
 16. The method of claim 15, furthercomprising employing the network for transmitting the order.
 17. Themethod of claim 14, further comprising configuring the dynamic discountcard based upon user characteristics.
 18. The method of claim 14,further comprising updating the information presented by the set of I/Ofeatures.
 19. The method of claim 14, further comprising searching atleast one of the information received by way of the network or theinformation stored to dynamic discount card.
 20. A dynamic discount cardsystem that electronically conducts business comprising: means forreceiving aggregation-based product information with a dynamic discountcard; means for displaying the product information on one or more I/Ofeatures of the dynamic discount card; and means for utilizing thedynamic discount card for offering and accepting a product purchaseorder.